About the “17th Survey on Consumer Attitudes Toward Medicines and the Pharmaceutical Industry”

The purpose of this survey is to assess the public’s understanding and perceptions of prescription drugs and the pharmaceutical industry, and to use the findings as a basis for the JPMA’s public relations activities. The survey began in 1996 and has been conducted annually since 2014; this is the 17th edition.

According to the results of this survey, the level of trust in the pharmaceutical industry stood at 88%, indicating that it remains at a high level, consistent with previous surveys. Furthermore, regarding the image of the pharmaceutical industry, positive responses such as “an industry of high social necessity” and “an industry with high technological capabilities” ranked at the top.Furthermore, regarding the medical data system, 55% of respondents indicated they were “aware” of it, and a high 70% expressed a desire for pharmaceutical companies to “utilize” this data. We view these results as a reflection of the high expectations held by the general public—including patients—for the pharmaceutical industry’s efforts to develop new drugs and produce safe medications.(Chapter 2: Perceptions of the Pharmaceutical Industry, Public Expectations, and Awareness of Its Activities)

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the “With/After COVID-19” phase of social life, the pharmaceutical industry is expected to continue fulfilling its mission of ensuring the stable supply of pharmaceuticals and meeting the ongoing need for treatments and vaccines.Thirty-four percent of respondents reported that their “views on health, medicines, and medical care” had changed as a result of the pandemic, and of those, 65% stated that their “health awareness had increased.” (Chapter 3: The Public’s Health and Their Relationship with Medicines and Medical Care)

To meet the expectations of our stakeholders and maintain their trust even amid a changing social landscape, we will make the fullest use of these survey results and continue to strive to advance the activities of the JPMA.